Each year the Olathe Public Library's Children's Services staff compiles a list of some of our favorite children's books from the past year, along with some old favorites. Our list includes picture books, chapter books, easy readers, graphic novels, and nonfiction titles — something for everyone. In this season of gift-giving, we hope you might find some gift ideas for the children on your holiday shopping list. Or perhaps you'll find a good book to read together as a family. The holidays are a great time to share a book together.

If you would like to browse the titles on our Staff Picks list, click here to download a copy. Printed copies of the list are also available at both libraries. Copies of the books on our Staff Picks list will be on display for perusal throughout the month of December at the Downtown Library. The books on display may not be checked out, but we are always happy to request titles for you if none are available.

We hope you will give the gift of reading this holiday season, and be sure to make time in your busy schedule to visit the library. Happy holidays!

Attention all LEGO and Minecraft fans! Have we got a program for you! KC Brick Lab is bringing LEGO Minecraft to the Downtown Library this weekend. There will be special creations built by KC Brick Lab members on display and bricks for free building. This is an all ages drop-in program for kids, teens, and adults. All are welcome. No registration. Come and go as you pleae. Don't miss this FUN event!

Both Olathe public libraries will be closed on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24. We will re-open our regular hours on Saturday, November 25 at 10:00 a.m. We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving holiday! We are thankful for you, our faithful library patrons.

Thanks to everyone who voted in our Vote for Books! election! The ballots have been counted and the winners are: President Cat in the Hat &Vice President Thea Stilton.

Public libraries across the Kansas City metro area participated in the Vote for Books! campaign, including Olathe Public Library, Johnson County Library, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, KS Public Library, and Mid-Continent Public Library systems. 3359 children cast their votes. The team of Cat in the Hat and Thea Stilton won not only the metro-wide vote, but they also won here locally at the Olathe Public Library. Apparently, the voters had a clear favorite. Congratulations to this cat and mouse team who show us that "Together We're Better!" despite our differences.

Attention all Star Wars fans! You are invited to A Star Wars Evening at the Library on Thursday, October 27 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library. Just drop by anytime during that time and play some Star Wars games, make a craft, collect some Star Wars swag, enter our prize drawing, and have some fun! We hope to have some costumed visitors from the 501st Legion! And you are encouraged to come in costume too! We hope to see you in the Children's Department on Thursday night. May the force be with you.

Election Day is quickly approaching, and at the Olathe Public LIbrary we're holding a special election of our own. Kids in 5th grade and younger can come to the Downtown Library or Indian Creek Library anytime through November 8 and vote for their favorite book characters. There are five President & Vice President pairs to choose from. Here are the candidates:

Nancy Drew & Fly Guy

The Cat in the Hat & Thea Stilton

Big Nate & El Deafo

Princess in Black & Dyamonde Daniel

Zita the Spacegirl & Captain Underpants

There are six Kansas City area library systems, including Olathe Public Library, participating in this Vote for Books election. The votes will be tallied metro-wide, and the winners will be announced on November 15. So stop by the library and cast your vote! You may also vote online at http://www.kclibrary.org/kids/vote-for-books. One vote per child please.

Friday, September 30 is a no-school day for Olathe schools. Yippee! Why not drop by the Downtown Library between 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. for some "Fairy Tale Fun"? Kids of all ages are welcome to join us for some fun and games in a fairy tale land. No registration. Come and go as you please. Kindergartners and younger must be accompanied by an adult.Costumes are encouraged!